The First Thanksgiving
The following is a story written by Albert F. Blaiswell and Francis K. Ball. Scripture has been added at the end so we know the real meaning of Thanksgiving as we remember the First Thanksgiving.
All through the first summer and part of the autumn the Pilgrims were busy and happy. They had planted and cared for their first fields of corn. They had found wild strawberries in the meadows, raspberries on the hillsides, and wild grapes in the woods. In the forest just back of the village wild turkeys and deer were easily shot. In the shallow waters of the bay there were plenty of fish, clams and lobsters. The summer had been warm, with a good deal of rain and much sunshine, so when the autumn came there was a fine crop of corn.
“Let us gather the fruits of our first labors and rejoice together,” said Governor Bradford.
“Yes,” said Elder Brewster, “let us take a day upon which we may thank God for all our blessings, and invite to it our Indian friends who have been so kind to us.”
The Pilgrims said that one day was not enough; so they planned to have a celebration for a whole week. This took place most likely in October.
The great Native American Chief, Massasoit, came with ninety of his bravest warriors. To supply meat for the occasion, four men had already been sent out to hunt wild turkeys. They killed enough in one day to last the entire company the whole week. Massasoit helped the feast along by sending some of his best hunters into the woods. They killed five deer, which they gave to their friends so that all would have enough to eat.
Under the trees they built long tables on which they piled baked clams, broiled fish, roast turkey and deer meat. They told stories about how they landed on this land and how they settled. In the daytime the young men ran races, played games, and had a shooting match. Every night the Native Americans sang and danced for their friends.
The third day came. Massasoit had been well treated, and no doubt would have liked to stay longer but he had said he could stay only three days. So the pipe of peace was silently passed around. Then, the Native Americans said farewell to their new friends and began their long tramp through the woods to Mount Hope Bay.
On the last day of this Thanksgiving party the Pilgrims had a service of prayer. Elder Brewster preached the first Thanksgiving sermon. He thanked God for the many blessings they had and their new Native American friends.
The first Thanksgiving took place nearly three hundred years ago. Since that time, Thanksgiving has been kept by the people of New England as the great family festival of the year. At this time children and grandchildren return to the old home place, the long table is spread and brothers and sisters, separated often by many miles, again sit side by side.
Today, Thanksgiving is observed in all the states. It is a season of sweet and blessed memories.
During this time of Thanksgiving we not only need to remember the first Thanksgiving but what the Bible says about Thanksgiving. Psalm 7:17- 18:1 says, “I will give thanks to the Lord because of His righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High. O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth. You have set your glory above the heavens.” The New Testament exclaims the wonder of giving thanks in I Thessalonians 5:18 – “In everything give thanks for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
May your Thanksgiving be special and may you give thanks in everything for this is God’s will!
